DNA Evidence & Testing

Baltimore Sex Crime Defense Lawyers: Challenging DNA Evidence

Since
1987, DNA has been an important factor in American criminal cases, and when
it comes to sex crimes, this is no exception. Prosecutors will try to
use any scrap of DNA evidence at their disposal to convict a defendant
of a sex crime. This makes winning any criminal cases where DNA evidence
is involved very difficult.

It’s not impossible, though. With a practiced understanding of the
law and knowledge of the many flaws that come with DNA evidence, defendants
accused of
sex crimes can still get acquitted, even if the prosecution initially seems to have
a strong case against them.

At the Law Offices of James E. Crawford, Jr. & Associates, we know
how to strategically challenge the DNA evidence in sex crimes cases, and
we are prepared to help you fight the allegations that have been made
against you. Call one of our Baltimore defense attorneys today at (443) 720-7419.

Possible Defenses Against DNA: What You Need to Know to Get Acquitted

DNA evidence does not automatically mean you will be found guilty. There
are several defenses that can be used the challenge DNA evidence, including:

Suspect didn’t know what they were consenting to: Although
legally volunteered DNA is often used in criminal cases in Maryland, it is important defendants
know their rights so they don’t get pressured into submitting DNA
evidence without their consent. The criminal justice system often puts
undue pressure on suspects to confess and give up evidence. If you believe
your DNA was collected under false pretenses or obtained under pressure,
it may be possible to argue it as inadmissible.

DNA degrades after 72 hours: After 72 hours, DNA evidence begins to disintegrate. For sex crimes that weren’t
reported in the first 3 days, any DNA collected may be less reliable.
It is unfair to use DNA as a lynchpin in these cases if a reasonable margin
of error in the time frame exists.

DNA was not handled properly: Not only does DNA evidence begin to degrade after 72 hours, it may also
be less reliable if not handled properly.
Increased evidence shows that DNA evidence is not nearly as trustworthy as many once thought
it to be, and if one thing is mismanaged in its collection, a whole case
may now be up for debate. For DNA to count as valid evidence, there must
be no question of contamination or tampering.

Put 30+ Years of Experience on Your Side: Call Us Today at (443) 720-7419

It’s hard to argue against DNA in sex crimes, but there are many
ways to throw out DNA evidence successfully. If you have been accused
of a sex crime or another serious offense, DNA need not be the reason
to give up hope on your case.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.